cross your mind

Meaning

This expression means to think of something or have an idea occur to you, often suddenly or briefly. It is frequently used in negative sentences or questions to ask if someone has considered a specific possibility. The tone is neutral and highly common in both casual and professional contexts.

Examples

• It never crossed my mind that she might be lying to us.

  It never crossed my mind that she might be lying to us.

• Did it ever cross your mind to ask for help before giving up?

  Did it ever cross your mind to ask for help before giving up?

• A sudden thought crossed my mind while I was driving home.

  A sudden thought crossed my mind while I was driving home.

• It didn't cross my mind that the shops would be closed on a holiday.

  It didn't cross my mind that the shops would be closed on a holiday.

• We need to consider every option, even the ones that haven't crossed our minds yet.

  We need to consider every option, even the ones that haven't crossed our minds yet.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The idea crossed to my mind.

  ✓ The idea crossed my mind.

  Do not use the preposition 'to' after 'crossed' in this idiom. 'Cross' acts as a transitive verb here.

• ✗ Did it pass your mind?

  ✓ Did it cross your mind?

  Learners often confuse 'cross your mind' with 'pass' or 'go through your mind'. While 'go through your mind' is also an idiom, 'pass your mind' is incorrect.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It didn't even ________ to call them first.

  💡 Think about an idea entering your head.

  Show answer

  cross my mind

• Did it ever ________ that he might be busy?

  💡 Did you ever think about this possibility?

  Show answer

  cross your mind